What is Barium hydroxide used for? What are the properties of Barium hydroxide? Can you explain its role as a desiccant? Is Barium hydroxide safe to handle?

Ba(OH)₂

Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂) is a chemical compound composed of barium, oxygen, and hydrogen ions. It is an alkaline compound and comes in two forms: monohydrate (Ba(OH)₂·H₂O) and octahydrate (Ba(OH)₂·8H₂O). Here are some key points about barium hydroxide and its uses:

Properties of Barium Hydroxide:

Barium hydroxide is a white, crystalline solid.

It is highly soluble in water, producing a strongly alkaline solution.

The monohydrate and octahydrate forms of barium hydroxide are commonly encountered.

Uses of Barium Hydroxide:

Chemical Manufacturing: Barium hydroxide is used in various chemical processes, including the production of barium salts and certain chemicals.

Desiccant: Due to its hygroscopic nature, barium hydroxide is used as a desiccant (drying agent) in certain applications.

Neutralization Reactions: It is employed in laboratory settings and industrial processes to neutralize acidic solutions.

Sugar Refining: Barium hydroxide is sometimes used in the sugar industry to refine sugar by removing impurities.

Petroleum Industry: In the petroleum industry, barium hydroxide is used for the removal of sulfides and mercaptans from natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons.

Electrolyte in Electrochemical Cells: Barium hydroxide is used as an electrolyte in certain types of electrochemical cells.

Catalyst in Organic Synthesis: It can serve as a catalyst in some organic synthesis reactions.

It's important to note that barium hydroxide is a strong base and should be handled with care due to its corrosive nature. Additionally, barium compounds, including barium hydroxide, are toxic, and appropriate safety precautions should be followed during their handling and use. The specific applications of barium hydroxide may vary depending on the industry and intended use.

Formula: Ba(OH)₂· 8H2OMolecular Weight: 315.46 g/mol
Form: White crystalline
CAS Number: 12230-71-6
EC Number: 241-234-5
Density: 2.18 g/cm³
Synonyms: barium(2+);dihydroxide, Barytwasser